July 17 Lake Biwa Three-City Simultaneous Fireworks Festival

Access

Using public transportation to reach each venue is highly recommended. The area is expected to be extremely crowded, especially on the day of the fireworks, so be sure to leave early and check the time of the last train home in advance.

Takashima (Biwako Takashima・Water Appreciation Festival)

• By train: About a 10-minute walk from Omi-Imazu Station on the JR Kosei Line.
• Alternative routes during busy periods: Traffic restrictions will be imposed on roads around the venue, so public transportation is the smoothest option. If you are arriving by car, check parking information in advance and plan to arrive early.
• Last train home: The JR Kosei Line has relatively infrequent service at certain times, so be sure to check the last train schedule beforehand.

Nagahama (Lake Biwa Grand Fireworks Festival in Nagahama)

• By train: About a 10-minute walk from Nagahama Station on the JR Biwako Line.
• Alternative routes during busy periods: The area around Nagahama Station becomes extremely crowded. In particular, access to the station may be restricted after the event. Allow plenty of time and follow the instructions of event staff.
• Last train home: The JR Biwako Line provides convenient access toward Kyoto and Osaka, but the last train may be scheduled relatively early.

Hikone (Hikone・Northern Lake Biwa Fireworks Festival)

• By train: About a 15～20-minute walk from Hikone Station on the JR Biwako Line.
• Alternative routes during busy periods: Heavy crowds are expected around Hikone Station and Hikone Castle. To avoid the congestion, consider taking back streets from Hikone Station to the venue, even if the route is slightly longer.
• Last train home: As in Nagahama, check the last JR Biwako Line train in advance and plan your return accordingly.

Paid Seating and Tickets

Each fireworks festival may offer paid viewing areas where guests can enjoy the show more comfortably. Official information about paid seating for 2026 has not yet been released.

The following types of paid seating may be available in a typical year:

• Takashima: Details are unclear, but special viewing seats for sponsors have been offered in the past.
• Nagahama: Sponsor seating and covered box seating may be available. Prices may range from several thousand yen to around ¥10,000.
• Hikone: Paid viewing areas may be set up around Hikone Port. Prices are also generally expected to range from several thousand yen to around ¥10,000.

Ticket sale dates and purchasing instructions are usually announced by the tourism associations of each city or on the official event websites around 1～2 months before the event. As tickets are popular, we recommend checking for information and purchasing them as early as possible.

Lesser-Known Viewing Spots

For those who want to enjoy the fireworks while avoiding the crowds, here are several lesser-known viewing spots near each venue.

Takashima (Biwako Takashima・Water Appreciation Festival)

1. Around Takashima City Imazu General Sports Park: Although it is a little farther from the launch site, the park offers plenty of open space where you may be able to watch the fireworks in comfort. Parking may also be relatively easy to find.
2. Along the Lake Biwa lakeside road (north of Imazuhama): From the lakeside road a little north of Imazuhama, there are few obstructions, and the fireworks reflected on the lake can be seen beautifully. However, parking spaces are limited.
3. Around Michi-no-Eki Toju-no-Sato Adogawa: This spot is some distance from the launch site, but it is easy to reach by car. You can hear the fireworks and enjoy a distant view of the show.

Nagahama (Lake Biwa Grand Fireworks Festival in Nagahama)

1. Northern area of Ho Park: Within Ho Park, the main venue, the area slightly farther north may be less crowded and offer a more relaxed place to watch the fireworks.
2. Around the Nagahama Castle Historical Museum: Fireworks are launched with Nagahama Castle in the background, allowing you to enjoy the show alongside a picturesque view. However, the area around the castle is also expected to be crowded.
3. Lake Biwa lakeside road (south of central Nagahama): From the lakeside road a little south of central Nagahama, you can see the entire fireworks display from a distance. If you are considering arriving by car, be aware of traffic restrictions.

Hikone (Hikone・Northern Lake Biwa Fireworks Festival)

1. Western side of the area around Matsubara Swimming Beach: The western side of Matsubara Swimming Beach, a little farther from the main venue at Hikone Port, may offer more space to spread out a mat and watch the fireworks at your leisure.
2. Along the moats of Hikone Castle (inner and outer moats): From the moats of Hikone Castle, you can enjoy both the fireworks and the illuminated castle. However, trees may block the view in some areas, so check the conditions in advance.
3. Lake Biwa lakeside road (south of central Hikone): From the lakeside road south of central Hikone, you can enjoy a distant view of the entire fireworks display. If the area is outside the traffic-restricted zone, arriving by car may also be an option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Has the 2026 event been confirmed? A. As of 2026年7月17日, no official announcement has been made regarding the 2026 “Lake Biwa Three-City Simultaneous Fireworks Festival” or the individual fireworks festivals in each city. Since these events are often held in early August, further information is expected to be released by the tourism associations of each city and on their official websites. Check the official websites for the latest updates.

Q. Is parking available? A. Paid parking lots may be provided near each venue, but heavy congestion is expected on the day of the fireworks, and they are likely to fill up. Some parking lots may also be inaccessible due to traffic restrictions. Public transportation is strongly recommended. If you are arriving by car, you will need to arrive early and consider parking farther away before transferring to public transportation.

Q. Will food stalls be available? A. In a typical year, many food stalls and festival vendors set up around each fireworks venue, adding to the festive atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy local specialties and classic festival foods. However, information about vendors for 2026 is expected to be announced together with the event details, so check the official websites.